Read Just One Night, Part 3: Binding Agreement for Free Online

computer, her disinterest in me palatable. Do I really think I’m better than this woman? Really ? Do I think I deserved more of her attention?
    The minutes tick by slowly and as she continues to ignore me I find myself less inclined to believe that I do. I stare down at my own bare hands. I haven’t worn a ring since I gave Dave back the beautiful ruby he gave me. What else had I given away that day? My pragmatism? My modesty? My humility? Am I really ready to part with so much?
    “Mr. Costin will see you now,” she says.
    The phone hasn’t rung so I can only assume that she’s reading something on her computer screen that lets her know it’s my time. Then again, it isn’t really my time at all. It’s Mr. Costin’s. He may have called the meeting but he is still doing me a favor by keeping it. That’s what I’m meant to feel.
    I open the door and step inside. Mr. Costin sits at a mahogany desk; behind him is a wall of windows. I have a view from my office. His is better. His head is bent as he reads some report. I’m treated to a view of his bald spot, not his face.
    “Close the door,” he instructs and I quickly do so. He continues to read as I tentatively approach his desk. I consider sitting but think better of it. Instead I stand there and wait for him to greet me . . . and tell me what to do.
    At last he looks up. His eyes run up and down my suit, his expression impassive. He’s not an unattractive man. He has high cheekbones and a strong jaw but his eyes are too light, a very pale blue that makes him look perpetually icy, even cruel. “You’ve changed your style,” he says wryly. I have a feeling he’s talking about more than just my clothes.
    Uneasily I shift from foot to foot. He leans back, seeming to enjoy my discomfort. Finally he sighs and gestures to a chair.
    “Sit.”
    It’s the kind of command you give a dog and it shames me that I so quickly obey.
    “We had to let Tom Love go,” he says. “But you know that.”
    I nod, swallow hard, and stare at my lap.
    “Tom was an asset,” Mr. Costin continues. “All of his departments were performing well, including yours.”
    Again I nod. What was once confidence is now anxiety. I can feel my heart pounding against my chest. It’s so loud, I wonder if Mr. Costin can hear it.
    “The business world is a brutal one,” he continues. “Survival of the fittest and all that. And the fittest isn’t necessarily the strongest. There are many incredibly strong animals who have fallen victim to extinction while the weaker monarch remains protected by her colors, beautiful and toxic. Funny how that works, isn’t it?”
    I consider challenging him but when I look up and meet his eyes I think better of it. I shrug awkwardly, suddenly ashamed of my brighter colors.
    “You came up here expecting me to offer you Tom’s job. Am I right?”
    Again I shrug and hope he doesn’t notice the flush creeping up my cheeks.
    “For God’s sake, if you’re going to act like a shy kindergartner, I’m going to have to treat you like one. Use your words, Kasie.”
    I clear my throat. “I have heard rumors . . .” but my voice trails off. I don’t have any idea how to proceed. I thought I knew what was coming, but I don’t.
    “Now that’s an interesting way to put it,” Mr. Costin steeples his fingers and smiles. “I’ve been hearing a few rumors myself. Shall we compare notes? Do tell, Kasie. What have you been hearing?”
    I squirm slightly. “I heard that you might be about to offer me a promotion,” I say. My voice is as thin as a monarch’s wings.
    “As rumors go that’s probably one of the more innocent ones I’ve heard in a while,” he notes. “Most of the rumors circulating around this company lately are more . . . salacious.”
    Now I know he can see my blush. I straighten my posture. I have to hold my own here. I need to look like a woman who deserves a promotion, not, as Mr. Costin just implied, like a scared little girl. “Are